Endoscopic surgical clip applier

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue has a handle portion; a body extending distally from the handle portion; a plurality of surgical clips disposed within the body; and a jaw assembly mounted adjacent a distal end portion of the body. The jaw assembly includes first and second jaw portions movable between a spaced-apart and an approximated position. The apparatus also has a wedge plate longitudinally movable between the first and the second jaw portions, a clip pusher configured to individually distally advance a surgical clip to the jaw assembly while the jaw portions are in the spaced apart position; an actuator at least partially disposed within the body and longitudinally movable in response to actuation of the handle portion; and a jaw closure member positioned adjacent the first and second jaw portions to move the jaw portions to the approximated position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The instant patent application is a Divisional application that claimsthe benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/062,338, filed Oct. 24, 2013 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,364,240), which isa Continuation application that claims the benefit of and priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/780,993, filed on May 17, 2010 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,579,918), which is a Continuation application thatclaims the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/245,528, filed on Oct. 7, 2005 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,905,890), thatclaims the benefit of and priority to each of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/617,104, filed on Oct. 8, 2004, and U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/617,016, filed on Oct. 8,2004, the entire content of each of which is herein incorporated byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field relates to surgical clip appliers. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to an endoscopic surgicalclip applier having a mechanism for stabilizing the jaw structure duringthe insertion of a surgical clip.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Endoscopic staplers and clip appliers are known in the art and are usedfor a number of distinct and useful surgical procedures. In the case ofa laparoscopic surgical procedure, access to the interior of an abdomenis achieved through narrow tubes or cannulas inserted through a smallentrance incision in the skin. Minimally invasive procedures performedelsewhere in the body are often generally referred to as endoscopicprocedures. Typically, a tube or cannula device is extended into thepatient's body through the entrance incision to provide an access port.The port allows the surgeon to insert a number of different surgicalinstruments therethrough using a trocar and for performing surgicalprocedures far removed from the incision.

During a majority of these procedures, the surgeon must often terminatethe flow of blood or another fluid through one or more vessels. Thesurgeon will often apply a surgical clip to a blood vessel or anotherduct to prevent the flow of body fluids therethrough during theprocedure. An endoscopic clip applier is known in the art for applying asingle clip during an entry to the body cavity. Such single clipappliers are typically fabricated from a biocompatible material and areusually compressed over a vessel. Once applied to the vessel, thecompressed clip terminates the flow of fluid therethrough.

Endoscopic clip appliers that are able to apply multiple clips inendoscopic or laparoscopic procedures during a single entry into thebody cavity are described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,084,057and 5,100,420 to Green et al., which are both incorporated by referencein their entirety. Another multiple endoscopic clip applier is disclosedin commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,436 by Pratt et al., thecontents of which is also hereby incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety. These devices are typically, though not necessarily, usedduring a single surgical procedure. U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/515,341 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,502) to Pier et al., the disclosureof which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses aresterilizable surgical clip applier. The clip applier advances andforms multiple clips during a single insertion into the body cavity.This resterilizable clip applier is configured to receive and cooperatewith an interchangeable clip magazine so as to advance and form multipleclips during a single entry into a body cavity. One significant designgoal is that the surgical clip be loaded between the jaws without anycompression of the clip from the loading procedure. Such bending ortorque of the clip during loading often has a number of unintendedconsequences. Such compression during loading may alter slightly thealignment of the clip between the jaws. This will cause the surgeon toremove the clip from between the jaws for discarding the clip.Additionally such preloading compression may slight compress parts ofthe clip and change a geometry of the clip. This will cause the surgeonto remove the compressed clip from between the jaws for discarding theclip.

Endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures are often performed remotely fromthe incision. Consequently, application of clips may be complicated by areduced field of view or reduced tactile feedback for the user at theproximal end of the device. It is therefore desirable to improve theoperation of the instrument by providing indication to the user of afiring of an individual clip, the depletion of the clips contained inthe loading unit, or any other surgical event. It is also desirable toprovide a surgical clip applier that promotes a successful loading ofthe clip and that wedges the jaws of the surgical clip applier open,then loads the clip between the jaws in order to prevent any damage orexcessive compression of the clip and prevents compression of the jawson the clip before firing.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is providedan apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue has ahandle portion and a body extending distally from the handle portion anddefining a longitudinal axis. The apparatus also has a plurality ofsurgical clips disposed within the body, and a jaw assembly mountedadjacent a distal end portion of the body. The jaw assembly includesfirst and second jaw portions movable between a spaced-apart and anapproximated position. The apparatus also has a wedge platelongitudinally movable between the first and the second jaw portions,and a clip pusher configured to individually distally advance a surgicalclip to the jaw assembly while the jaw portions are in the spaced apartposition. The apparatus still further has an actuator at least partiallydisposed within the body and longitudinally movable in response toactuation of the handle portion and a jaw closure member positionedadjacent the first and second jaw portions to move the jaw portions tothe approximated position.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus hasa wedge plate that biases the first and the second jaw portions when thewedge plate is longitudinally moved between the first and the second jawportions. The wedge plate maintains the first and the second jawportions in a fixed predetermined relationship during loading of theclip. The fixed predetermined relationship prevents flexing of the firstand the second jaw members during clip loading.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus hasthe wedge plate with a rounded distal tip.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus hasthe wedge plate with a first proximal window. The first proximal windowis adapted to be engaged by a member disposed in the body and configuredto hold the wedge plate in a distal most position. The distal mostposition is between the first and the second jaw members.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus hasthe wedge plate with a second proximal window. The second proximalwindow is adapted to be engaged by the member and the second proximalwindow is configured to hold the wedge plate in a proximal mostposition. The proximal most position is retracted from the first and thesecond jaw members. The proximal most position of the wedge plate isconfigured to allow the first and the second jaw members to compress theclip.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the member ismovable from the second proximal window to first proximal window by theactuator. The actuator moves the wedge plate distally. The member movesfrom the second proximal window to the first proximal window upon thewedge plate moving distally.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the actuatorfurther comprises a cam link. The cam link is engageable with a cam slotin the wedge plate. The cam link moves the wedge plate distally.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the member is aflexible leg.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus hasa cam slot with a driving edge. The cam link engages the driving edge.The cam link is configured to longitudinally move the wedge platedistally.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the actuatoris driven distally the cam link is driven distally. The cam link engagesthe driving edge of the cam slot. The cam link longitudinally moves thewedge plate to move the rounded distal end between the first and thesecond jaw members. The member engages the first proximal window to holdthe wedge plate between the first and second jaws for loading.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the cam linkis driven further distally the cam link disengages the driving edge andtraverses in the cam slot. The cam link permits the wedge plate to movethe rounded distal end proximally from between the first and the secondjaw members. The member engages the second proximal window to hold thewedge plate in the proximal most position.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is providedan apparatus for the application of surgical clips to body tissue. Theapparatus has a handle portion, a body extending distally from thehandle portion and defining a longitudinal axis, and a plurality ofsurgical clips disposed within the body. The apparatus also has a jawassembly mounted adjacent a distal end portion of the body, and a clippusher configured to individually distally advance a surgical clip tothe jaw assembly. The apparatus further includes an actuator at leastpartially disposed within the body and longitudinally movable inresponse to actuation of the handle portion with a counter mechanism.The counter mechanism is associated with the handle portion and thecounter mechanism indexes in response to actuation of the handleportion.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the countermechanism comprises a liquid crystal display.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the countermechanism comprises a backlight.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the countermechanism is indexed upon full actuation of the handle portion.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus hasa counter mechanism that is triggered by the actuator.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the countermechanism is in the handle and connected to the actuator. The countermechanism has a member connected to the actuator. The counter mechanismhas a liquid crystal display having a display contact. The displaycontact is activated when the member contacts the display contact.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the member isrotatable. The member rotates in response to longitudinal movement ofthe actuator to contact the display contact.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the countermechanism is a liquid crystal display having a lens. The liquid crystaldisplay displays an image. The lens magnifies the image.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the actuatorincludes an opening. The counter mechanism with the member has a firstarm and a second arm. The first arm is connected to the opening. Whensaid actuator longitudinally moves in a distal direction the actuatordeflects the first arm and the member rotates in response to themovement. The second arm contacts the display contact in response to therotation of the member. The display contact is activated when the secondarm contacts the display contact.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is providedan apparatus for the application of surgical clips to body tissue. Theapparatus has a handle portion, a body extending distally from thehandle portion and defining a longitudinal axis, a plurality of surgicalclips disposed within the body and a jaw assembly mounted adjacent adistal end portion of the body. The jaw assembly includes first andsecond jaw portions movable between a spaced-apart and an approximatedposition. The apparatus also has a clip pusher configured toindividually distally advance a surgical clip to the jaw assembly whilethe jaw portions are in the spaced apart position and an actuator atleast partially disposed within the body and longitudinally movable inresponse to actuation of the handle portion. The apparatus also has ajaw closure member positioned adjacent the first and second jaw portionsto move the jaw portions to the approximated position and a lockoutmechanism configured to engage with the clip pusher to prevent theapplication of the surgical clips to tissue when the plurality of clipsare substantially exhausted.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the lockoutmechanism has a member. The member is longitudinally movable with theactuator to a distal most position. The member reaches said distal mostposition and the member engages the clip pusher. The member prevents theclip pusher to distally advance the surgical clip to the jaw assembly.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatusfurther comprises a clip follower. The clip follower distally biases theclips disposed in the body. The lockout mechanism includes a member. Themember is longitudinally movable with the actuator to a distal mostposition. The member reaches the distal most position and the memberengages the follower. The member prevents the follower from retractingproximally. Upon retraction of the clip pusher, the clip pusher engagesthe follower. The member prevents the clip pusher to distally advancethe surgical clip to the jaw assembly.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the member is alockout wedge.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the member has atleast one member angled surface. The actuator has at least one actuatorangled surface. As the actuator retracts proximally the at least oneactuator angled surface engages the member angled surface. Theengagement prevents the actuator from retracting proximal to a proximalmost position.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is providedan apparatus for the application of surgical clips to body tissue. Theapparatus has a handle portion, and a body extending distally from thehandle portion and defining a longitudinal axis. The apparatus also hasa plurality of surgical clips disposed within the body, and a jawassembly mounted adjacent a distal end portion of the body. The jawassembly includes first and second jaw portions movable between aspaced-apart and an approximated position. The apparatus also has a clippusher configured to individually distally advance a surgical clip tothe jaw assembly while the jaw portions are in the spaced apartposition. The apparatus further has an actuator at least partiallydisposed within the body and longitudinally movable in response toactuation of the handle portion. The apparatus also has a jaw closuremember positioned adjacent the first and second jaw portions to move thejaw portions to the approximated position, and a rack having a pluralityof ratchet teeth being connected to the actuator. The apparatus also hasa pawl with at least one tooth configured to engage the ratchet teeth.The pawl is biased in the handle portion. As the actuator is movedlongitudinally, the ratchet teeth are passed over the pawl. The pawl isconfigured to prevent an inadvertent return of the actuator before fullactuation of the apparatus. The apparatus also has a wedge platelongitudinally movable between the first and the second jaw portions.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the pawl isbiased by a pawl spring. The pawl spring biases the pawl into engagementwith the rack.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatusfurther comprises a first and a second post connected to an interiorside of the handle portion. The first and the second posts areconfigured to support the pawl spring.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is providedan apparatus for the application of surgical clips to body tissue. Theapparatus also has a handle portion, a body extending distally from thehandle portion and defining a longitudinal axis, a plurality of surgicalclips disposed within the body, and a jaw assembly mounted adjacent adistal end portion of the body. The jaw assembly includes first andsecond jaw portions movable between a spaced-apart and an approximatedposition. The apparatus also has a clip pusher configured toindividually distally advance a surgical clip to the jaw assembly whilethe jaw portions are in the spaced apart position, and an actuator atleast partially disposed within the body and longitudinally movable inresponse to actuation of the handle portion. The apparatus further has ajaw closure member positioned adjacent the first and second jaw portionsto move the jaw portions to the approximated position. The body portionhas an outer diameter. The jaw assembly has a width in the spaced apartposition. The width is less than or equal to said outer diameter of thebody.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus hasthe body with a length. The length is suitable to facilitate use inbariatric surgery. According to another aspect of the presentdisclosure, the apparatus with the length suitable to facilitate use inbariatric surgery has the length being greater than thirty centimeters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A particular embodiment of a surgical clip applier is disclosed hereinwith reference to the drawings wherein;

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical clip applier;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the surgical clip applier of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the jaw structure of thesurgical clip applier;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the surgical clip applier;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the surgical clip applier;

FIG. 6 is a side view, with half of the body removed, of the handleassembly of the surgical clip applier;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views, with half of the body removed, ofthe handle assembly of the surgical clip applier;

FIG. 6C is a side view, with half of the body removed, of the handleassembly of the surgical clip applier;

FIG. 6D is a perspective view, taken from the opposite side, of thehandle assembly of the surgical clip applier with half the body removed;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the handle of the clipapplier, with shaft assembly;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a drive link and spindle connection;

FIG. 7B is a cross sectional view of the knob, bushing and retentionpins;

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the knob;

FIG. 7D is a perspective view of the proximal end of the outer tube;

FIG. 7E is a perspective view of the proximal end of the outer tubeassembled with the bushing;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a pawl;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a rack;

FIG. 9A is another perspective view of the rack;

FIGS. 9B and 9C are opposite perspective views of an actuator plate;

FIGS. 9D and 9E are opposite perspective views of a toggle arm;

FIGS. 9F and 9G are opposite perspective views of a wishbone link;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the shaft assembly of thesurgical clip applier;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a feed bar;

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a follower and surgical clips;

FIGS. 10C and 10D are opposite perspective views of a trip block;

FIG. 10E is a perspective view of a spindle;

FIG. 10F is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 10E;

FIG. 10G is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 10E;

FIG. 10H is a perspective view of a follower illustrating an abutmentsurface on the underside of the follower;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the distal end of the spindle and adriver;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a trip lever mechanism on the spindleand lock out wedge;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a wedge plate and biasing spring;

FIGS. 14 and 15 are opposite perspective views of a filler component;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the rotation knob and shaft assembly;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the overpressure assembly;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the spindle and jaw assembly;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged area of detail of the spindle and jaw assembly ofFIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged area of detail of the spindle and trip lever ofFIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of the distal end of the surgical clipapplier with outer tube removed;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the surgical clip applier shaftassembly with parts removed;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged area at detail of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 22;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the spindle, driver and jaw assembly;

FIG. 27 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the cam link and wedge plate assembly;

FIG. 29 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the filler component and jaw assembly;

FIG. 32 is an enlarged perspective view of the jaw assembly of FIG. 31;

FIGS. 33 and 34 are perspective views of the distal end of the spindleincluding wedge plate and driver;

FIG. 35 is a side view, partially shown in section, of the surgical clipapplier in a pre-fired condition;

FIG. 36 is in enlarged area of detail of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 35;

FIG. 38 is in enlarged area of detail of FIG. 37 showing the trip lever;

FIG. 39 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 37 showing the follower;

FIG. 40 is an enlarged the area of detail of FIG. 37;

FIG. 41 is enlarged area of detail of FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is a side view, shown in section, of the distal end of thesurgical clip applier of FIG. 37;

FIG. 42A is a side view, shown in section, of a feedback pusher andlance on a channel;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the wedge plate and jaw assembly;

FIG. 44 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 43 showing the wedge plateand jaw members;

FIG. 45 is a top view of FIG. 43 taken along line 45-45;

FIG. 46 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 45 showing the jaw and thewedge plate;

FIG. 47 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 45 showing the wedge plateand cam link;

FIG. 48 is a side view, shown in section, of the handle housing at thebeginning of an initial stroke;

FIG. 49 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 48 showing the rack andpawl;

FIG. 50 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 48 similar to FIG. 49;

FIG. 51 is a side view, shown in section, of the feed bar and triplever;

FIG. 52 is a side view, shown in section, of the follower;

FIG. 53 is a side view, shown in section, of the endoscopic portion ofthe surgical clip applier;

FIG. 54 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 53 illustrating thespindle movement;

FIG. 55 is a top view of the wedge plate and filler componentillustrating the movement of the cam link;

FIG. 56 is a side view, shown in section, illustrating the feed baradvancing a clip;

FIG. 57 is a top view of the wedge plate and cam link moving distally;

FIG. 58 is a side view, shown in section, showing the movement of theflexible leg cammed out of a wedge plate window;

FIG. 59 is a side view, shown in section, illustrating a clip enteringthe jaws;

FIG. 60 is a further top view of the cam link and wedge plate movement;

FIG. 61 is a side view, shown in section, of the flexible leg and wedgeplate disengagement

FIG. 62 is a top view of the wedge plate entering the jaw structure;

FIG. 63 is a perspective view illustrating the wedge plate camming openthe jaw structure;

FIG. 64 is a top view illustrating further advancement of the cam linkin the wedge plate;

FIG. 65 is a side view, shown in section, illustrating the trip leverengaged with the feed bar;

FIG. 66 is a side view, shown in section, illustrating the spindlecamming the flexible leg out of engagement with the wedge plate;

FIG. 67 is a side view, shown in section, illustrating the feed barloading a clip into the jaw structure;

FIG. 68 is a side view, shown in section, illustrating the trip leverbeing cammed out of engagement with the feed bar by means of a tripblock.

FIG. 69 is a side view, shown in section, illustrating the retraction ofthe wedge plate and feed bar;

FIG. 69A is a perspective view, with half the body removed, illustratinginitial actuation;

FIG. 70 is a side view, shown in section, illustrating furtheradvancement of the spindle;

FIG. 71 is a side view, shown in section, illustrating the retraction ofthe wedge plate and further advancement of the spindle;

FIG. 72 is a perspective view of the wedge plate retracting from the jawstructure;

FIG. 73 is a side view, shown in section, with the spindle engaging thedriver and a latch retractor engaging the spindle;

FIG. 74 is a side view of the handle housing with the trigger at fullstroke;

FIG. 75 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 74 with the pawl clearingthe teeth on the rack;

FIG. 76 is a side view, shown in section, of the driver camming the jawsclosed about a surgical clip;

FIGS. 77 to 79 are sequential views of the driver camming the jawsclosed about a surgical clip;

FIG. 80 is a view, shown in section, of the overpressure mechanismincluding the impact spring;

FIG. 81 is a perspective view of a surgical clip formed on a vessel;

FIG. 82 is an enlarged area of detail of the pawl resetting;

FIG. 83 is a side view, shown in section, illustrating the latchretractor resetting;

FIG. 84 is a side view, shown in section, illustrating the spindleretracting; and

FIGS. 85 and 86 are top views illustrating the cam link resetting withinthe wedge plate.

FIG. 87 is a side view of the distal end of the surgical clip applierillustrating the follower engagement with a lance;

FIG. 88 is a side view, partially showing section, of the lockout wedgeengagement with the spindle; and

FIG. 89 is an enlarged view of the pawl and rack in a locked outcondition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

There is disclosed a novel endoscopic surgical clip applier having a jawcontrol mechanism configured to maintain jaws of the surgical clipapplier in a spaced apart and stable position during insertion of asurgical clip. It should be noted that, while the disclosed jaw controlmechanism is shown and described in an endoscopic surgical clip applier,the disclosed jaw control mechanism is applicable to any surgical clipapplier or other instrument having a pair of compressible jaws.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, surgical clip applier 10 generally includesa handle assembly 12 and an endoscopic portion including an elongatedtubular member 14 extending distally from handle assembly 12. Handleassembly 12 is formed of a plastic material while elongated tubularmember 14 is formed of a biocompatible material such as stainless steel.Elongated tubular member 14 of surgical clip applier 10 may have variousouter diameters such as an outer diameter of 5 m or 10 mm depending onintended use. Further, elongated tubular member may have variouselongated or shortened lengths depending on intended use, such as, forexample, in bariatric surgery. In one embodiment, the elongated tubularmember 14 in bariatric surgery may have a length that is in excess of 30centimeters. In one preferred embodiment of bariatric surgery, thelength of the elongated tubular member 14 is 33 centimeters. In anotherpreferred embodiment, the length of the elongated tubular member 14 forbariatric surgery is 37 centimeters. In still another preferredembodiment, the length of the elongated tubular member 14 for bariatricsurgery is 40 centimeters, however one skilled in the art shouldappreciate that the outer tubular member 14 may have any length inexcess of 30 centimeters and the present disclosure is not limited toany of the above embodiments. A pair of jaws 16 is mounted on the distalend of elongated tubular member 14 and is actuated by a trigger 18movably mounted in handle assembly 12. Jaws 16 are also formed of abiocompatible material such as stainless steel or titanium. Notably, insome embodiments, when jaws 16 are in an open condition relative to eachother, the maximum width of jaws 16 measure less than or equal to theouter diameter of elongated tubular member 14 to allow insertion througha trocar or other part in a body in a open condition. This isparticularly true of the 10 mm clip applier. Jaws 16 are mounted suchthat they are longitudinally stationary relative to elongated tubularmember 14. A knob 20 is rotatably mounted on a distal end of handleassembly 12 and affixed to elongated tubular member 14 to provide 360degree rotation of elongated tubular member 14 and jaws 16 about itslongitudinal axis. Referring for the moment to FIG. 3, jaws 16 define achannel 22 for receipt of a surgical clip therein.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 a window 200 is provided in handleassembly 12 to view an indicator, such as, for example, a countermechanism associated with handle assembly 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 through 7, handle assembly 12 of clip applier10 is shown. Handle assembly 12 includes a longitudinally movable rack202 which is connected to trigger 18 by means of a wishbone link 204. Apin 206 is provided to connect wishbone link 204 to rack 202. Rack 202is provided for advancing and crimping a surgical clip between jaws 16in response to actuation of trigger 18. Rack 202 is biased to a proximalposition by a return spring 208 positioned between rack 202 and abushing 210 that is mounted within journal 36 in housing 12.

In order to prevent inadvertent return of trigger 18 and rack 202 beforefull actuation of surgical instrument 10, a pawl 212 is movably mountedon a pawl pin 214. Pawl 212 is engageable with rack 202 in a mannerdiscussed in more detail hereinbelow. A pawl spring 216 is providedbetween spring posts 218 in order to bias pawl 212 into engagement withrack 202.

Referring for the moment to FIG. 8, pawl 212 includes a pawl hole 220for mounting pawl 212 on pawl pin 214. Pawl 212 also includes pawl teeth222 engageable with rack 202 in a manner described below.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 9 and 9A, rack 202 generally includes a rack hole224 for connecting rack 202 to wishbone link 204 by means of pin 206.Rack 202 also includes rack teeth 226 which are engageable with pawlteeth 222 to restrict longitudinal movement of rack 202 within handleassembly 12. Rack 202 is also provided with a distal recess 228 and aproximal recess 230. Recesses 228 and 230 are provided to allow pawl 212to reverse and advance back over rack 202 when rack 202 reverses toproximal movement. A distal hook 232 is provided on rack 202 to engagerack 202 with the various drive mechanisms in a manner describedhereinbelow. Thus, actuation of trigger 18 drives wish bone link 204,thereby driving rack 202 distally through wishbone link 204 and againstthe bias of return spring 208.

Referring for the moment to FIGS. 9F and 9G, wishbone link 204, as notedabove, is provided to connect trigger 18 to rack 202. Specifically,wishbone link 204 includes a snap fit end or locking feature 234 whichis engageable with a post (now shown) on trigger 18. Bores 236 formed atan opposing end of wishbone link 204 are provided to mount on rack pin206. A slot 238 provided in wishbone link 204 allows wishbone link 204to support rack 202 from opposite sides thereof. Linkage mechanism,including trigger 18 and wish bone link 204, allows for a greatermechanical advantage while minimizing the space the linkage mechanismoccupies in handle assembly 12. Knob 20 includes a flange 34 which isalso rotatably mounted in a journal 36 in housing 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, and as noted above, handle assembly 12is provided with a window 200 at a proximal end thereof revealing anindicator mechanism associated with handle assembly 12. Thus, there isprovided a novel counter mechanism 240 which is configured to provide anindication of either the number of clips fired or the number of clipsremaining within surgical instrument 10. Counter mechanism 240 istriggered by an actuator 242 associated with handle assembly 12 via atoggle arm 244 pivotally mounted to handle assembly 12. Countermechanism 240 generally includes a counter 246 having an actuationfeature 248, such as, a leaf spring and contact, button, etc. which istripped or actuated by toggle arm 244 in response to actuation oftrigger 18. A lens 250 is provided in between counter 246 and counterwindow 200 to protect counter 246 or enhance magnification ofalpha-numeric digits during operation. Counter 246 can be of the liquidcrystal display (LCD) light emitting diode (LED) or analog/mechanicaltype. Counter 246 may also include a printed circuit board, battery anda backlight or lighted display. Counter 246 can be configured to countdown from the total number of surgical clips originally provided insurgical instrument 10 to indicate the number of clips remaining.Alternatively, counter 246 can count up from 0 to the total number ofclips already fired. One contemplated counter 246 is an LCD countermodule available from Golden View Display, Inc. The counter 246 may beany device known in the art to provide an indication of an event. Theevent may be related to the procedure or the operation of the clipapplier 10. The counter 246 in a preferred embodiment may be varioustypes of liquid crystal displays. However, in another embodiment, thedisplay may be one or more light emitting diodes, a luminescent display,a multi-color display, a digital display, an analog display, a passivedisplay, an active display, a so called “twisted nematic” display, a socalled “super twisted nematic” display, a “dual scan” display, areflective display, a backlit display, an alpha numeric display, amonochrome display, a so called “Low Temperature Polysilicon Thin FilmTransistor” or LPTS TFT display, or any other display that indicates aparameter, information or graphics related to the procedure or the clipapplier 10. In one embodiment, the display is a liquid crystal displayor “LCD”. The LCD may be a black and white or color display thatdisplays one or more operating parameters of the clip applier 10 to thesurgeon. In one embodiment, the displayed parameter may be an amount ofremaining clips, a number clips that have been used, a positionparameter, a surgery time of usage, or any other parameter of theprocedure.

Referring for the moment to FIGS. 9B and 9C, the specific structure ofactuator 242 will now be described. As noted above, actuator 242 isconfigured to index counter mechanism 240 in response to movement oftrigger 18 thus actuator 242 includes a drive slot 252 which isconfigured to be positioned about pin 206 extending through rack 202 andwishbone link 204. Drive slot 252 allows surgical instrument 10 to beactuated through a predetermined length of stroke prior to pin 206engaging actuator 242. A connecting slot 254 is provided to engage acorresponding pin on toggle arm 244 in order to bias toggle arm 244against counter 246. In order to prevent any flexing or wobbling ofactuator 242 during its reciprocal movement within handle assembly 12actuator 242 is provided with a pair of fingers 256 which are configuredto ride along a housing rail 258 formed in handle assembly 12 (FIG. 6B).A tab 260 (FIGS. 6C and 6D) is provided on actuator 242 to engage areturn spring in a manner described in more detail hereinbelow.

Referring for the moment to FIGS. 9D and 9E counter lever 244 includes apost 262 which is pivotally mounted into housing assembly 12. A firstend of toggle arm 244 includes a pin 264 which is engageable withinconnecting slot 254 in actuator 242 such that longitudinal movement ofactuator 242 within housing assembly 12 pivots counter lever 244 aboutstud 262. An opposed end of toggle arm 244 includes a contact lever 268which is configured to engage and depress counter button 248 on counter246 to trigger or increment counter 246 in any number of predeterminedfashions either up or down numerically.

The arrangement of the various components of the counter mechanism 240,actuator 242 and counter lever 244 mounted within handle assembly, isbest illustrated in FIGS. 6B to 6D. Referring initially to FIG. 6B,wherein rack 202 has been removed for clarity, it can be seen thatfingers 256 of actuator 242 ride along housing rail 258 formed inhousing assembly 12. Pin 206 associated with wishbone link 204 rideswithin drive slot 252. At a proximal end of actuator 242 pin 264 oncounter lever 244 is positioned within connecting slot 254.

Referring now to FIGS. 6C and 6D, in order to maintain counter lever 244out of engagement with counter mechanism 240 prior to actuation oftrigger 18 there is provided a compression spring 270 which isengageable with tab 260 on actuator 242. An opposed end of compressionspring 270 engages a corresponding projection formed on opposed side ofhousing handle assembly 12 in order to bias actuator 242 in a proximalmost direction.

Combinations of the various elements and mechanisms associated with clipapplier 10 will now be described.

Referring to FIG. 10, a bushing 48, including retention pins 50, isprovided to secure the bushing 210 to the knob 20. A drive link 272 isconnected, to rack 202 (FIGS. 6 and 7) such that a proximal end of drivelink 272 engages rack 202. Specifically, distal hook 232 of rack 202engages a slot 274 in a proximal end of drive link 272. An over pressuremechanism including an impact spring 56 is provided about outer tube 14between bushing 48 and housed in a bore of knob 20 to prevent overcompression of jaws 16 during actuation of the instrument in a mannerdescribed in more detail hereinbelow. Drive link 272 extends within abore 58 in knob 20.

A flange located at a proximal end of elongated tube member 14 abuts aproximal end of bushing 48 (FIGS. 7D and 7E).

With continued reference to FIG. 10, in order to actuate the variouscomponents there is provided an actuation mechanism or spindle 60mounted for longitudinal movement through elongated tubular member 14.Spindle 60 includes a boss 62 at its proximal end which is engageablewith a recess 276 on the distal end of spindle link 272. (FIG. 7A) bypositioning boss 62 of spindle 60 within a recess 276 of spindle link272, spindle 60 can rotate with the outer tube assembly independent ofthe longitudinal motion of spindle link 272 and spindle 60. As bestshown in FIG. 7B bushing 48 is positioned within knob 20 and securedtherein by means of retention pins 50.

Referring for the moment to FIGS. 7C and 7E, bushing 48 is provided witha pair of opposed longitudinal ribs 278 which fit within correspondingslots 280 in knob 20 for the purpose of orientation.

Referring now to FIGS. 7D and 7E, it can be seen that tabs 282 formed onan inner surface of the proximal end of bushing 48 are configured toengage corresponding cutouts 284 on outer tube 14. Thus, outer tube 14is allowed to rotate in response to rotation of knob 20.

Referring to FIG. 10, a camming mechanism including a driver 66 and aslider joint 68 extend from a distal end of spindle 60 to cam closedjaws 16 about a surgical clip.

Clip applier 10 is configured to retain a plurality of surgical clipsfor application to tissue. Clip applier 10 includes an elongated channelmember 70 configured to retain a plurality of surgical clips 72 andconvey surgical clips 72 to jaws 16. It should be noted that channelmember 70 and jaws 16 do not move longitudinally relative to elongatedtubular member 14. A follower 74 is biased by a spring 76 to urgesurgical clips 72 distally within channel member 70. A channel cover 78overlies channel 70 to retain and guide spring 76 and surgical clips 72therein. A nose 80 is provided at a distal end of channel cover 78 toassist in directing surgical clips 72 into jaws 16.

A feeder mechanism including a feed bar 82 is provided for longitudinalmovement relative to channel cover 78 in order to advance individualclips 72 into jaws 16. A trip block 84 having a guide pin 86 and a feedbar spring 88 are provided adjacent the proximal end of channel cover 78to bias feed bar 82 in a proximal direction. Specifically, a proximalend 90 of guide pin 86 is interconnected with a hook 92 on an undersideof feed bar 82 and through slot 94 in trip block 84. (See also FIG. 10)In order for spindle 60 to move feed bar 82, spindle 60 is provided witha trip lever 96 and a biasing spring 98. Trip lever 96 is engageablewith a proximal end of feed bar 82 in a manner described in more detailherein below.

A notable advantage of presently disclosed clip applier 10 is that it isprovided with a wedge plate 100 which is configured to advance into jaws16 during actuation of surgical clip applier 10 and maintain jaws 16 ina spaced apart condition while receiving a surgical clip 72. Cam slot136 (FIG. 13), described in detail hereinbelow, formed through wedgeplate 100 and a filler component 102 mounted within elongated tubularmember 14, cooperate in connection with a cam link 104, provided onspindle 60, to move wedge plate 100 relative to filler component 102 andjaws 16. Filler component 102 is positioned directly behind jaws 16 anddoes not move relative to elongated tubular member 14.

Turning to FIG. 10A, and as noted above, feed bar 82 is provided to movesurgical clips 72 into jaws 16. Feed bar 82 is driven by trip lever 96on spindle 60. (See FIG. 10.) Specifically, feed bar 82 is provided withan elongated window 106 which is configured to be engaged by trip lever96 as spindle 60 is driven distally. Feed bar 82 also includes a window286 for receipt of lockout structure as described herein below. Tofacilitate insertion of the clip into jaws 16, feed bar 82 is providedwith a pusher 108 at its distal end which is configured to advance anindividual clip 72 out of the line of clips 72 and into jaws 16. Asshown in FIG. 10B, follower 74 is positioned behind the line of clips toadvance clips 72 through surgical clip applier 10. As shown in FIG. 10H,follower 74 includes an abutment surface 288 for engagement with furtherlockout structure located on a distal end of clip channel 70.

Referring to FIG. 10C, as noted above, trip block 84 includes a slot 94to receive hook 92 of feed bar 82. In order to disengage trip lever 96from window 106 and thus feed bar 82, trip block 84 is provided with anangled surfaces 110 which is configured to engage trip lever 96 anddisengage it from window 106 of feed bar 82 as best shown in FIG. 10D.

Referring now to FIGS. 10E-10G, various features of spindle 60 will nowbe described. A perspective view of spindle 60, isolated from othercomponents is shown in FIG. 10E. With specific reference to FIG. 10F, ata proximal end, spindle 60 includes a pivot point 112 for attachment oftrip lever 96 at its proximal end. Additionally, a boss 114 is providedin spindle 60 for attachment of biasing spring 98 to bias trip lever 96into engagement with window 106 of feed bar 82. An angled surface 290 isprovided to engage spindle 60 with lockout structure and prevent spindlefrom completely retracting after a final clip has been fired. Withrespect to FIG. 10G, at a distal end, spindle 60 is provided with a boss116 for mounting cam link 104. Spindle 60 is additionally provided witha raised feature 118 which functions to disengage filler component 102from wedge plate 100 in a manner described in hereinbelow.

Referring to FIG. 11, spindle 60 is provided to advance driver 66 intoengagement with jaws 16 to close jaws 16 about a surgical clip after thesurgical clip has been positioned within jaws 16. A distal end 120 ofslider joint 68 resides in a recess 122 in driver 66. A proximalprojection 124 of slider joint 68 rides within a longitudinal slot 126in the distal end of spindle 60. The length of longitudinal slot 126allows spindle 60 to move a predetermined longitudinal distance beforeengaging and moving driver 66 longitudinally to close jaws 16 about aclip 72. A latch retractor 128 is integrally formed within a slot 130 inslider joint 68 so as to allow driver 66 to be driven distally afterwedge plate 100 has been allowed to retract proximally in a mannerdescribed in more detail hereinbelow.

Referring to FIG. 12, clip applier 10 is provided with novel lock outstructure to prevent actuation of clip applier 10 after a last clip 72has been dispensed. Clip applier 10 includes a lockout wedge 292 whichis movably mounted within a channel 294 in spindle 60. Lockout wedge 292includes an angled surface 296 configured to cam against angled surface290 on spindle 60. A raised projection 298 mates with window 286 in feedbar 82 to affix lockout wedge 292 to feed bar 82 during longitudinalmovement thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 13, wedge plate 100 will be described in moredetail. As noted above, wedge plate 100 is provided to bias and maintainjaws 16 in a spaced apart condition during loading of a surgical clip 72within jaws 16. Additionally, the presence of wedge plate 100 providesstability to jaws 16 to prevent them from flexing during loading ofsurgical clip 72. As shown, wedge plate 100 includes a distal tip 134which is configured to engage and cam jaws 16 open and maintain them ina spaced condition. Additionally, wedge plate 100 includes a cam slot136 which is configured to cooperate with cam link 104 mounted onspindle 60 to control the motions of wedge plate 100 as discussed inmore detail below. Further, distal and proximal windows 138 and 140,respectively, are provided to engage flexible structure on the fillercomponent 102. A biasing spring 142 is provided on a mount 144 to biaswedge plate 100 generally proximally within elongated tubular member 14.Finally, a stop 146 is configured to engage corresponding structure onfiller component 102.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, various aspects of filler component102 will now be described. Filler component 102 includes a flexible leg152 which is configured to engage distal and proximal windows 138 and140 in wedge plate 100. Filler component 102 also includes an elongatedcam slot 148 configured to receive part of cam link 104. A disengagingedge 150 is provided within cam slot 148 to facilitate disengaging camlink 104 from within cam slot 136 in wedge plate 100. Filler component102 additionally includes a stop 154 for engagement with tongue 146 onwedge plate 100 (FIG. 13), to limit the proximal retraction of wedgeplate 100, as well as a longitudinal recess 156 to accommodate thelength of return spring 142 of wedge plate 100.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate the position of impact spring 56 relative torotation knob 20. As noted above, impact spring 56 is provided as anover pressure mechanism to prevent over compression of jaws 16 duringthe crimping of a surgical clip 72 as described in more detail belowwith respect to the operation of surgical clip applier 10. The overpressure mechanism is designed to prevent overstroke of trigger 18applied by the surgeon and ultimately prevent damage to jaws 16.

Referring to FIGS. 18-20, spindle 60 and related drive components areshown with elongated tubular member 14 removed. Specifically, withregard to FIG. 19, pusher 108 of feed bar 82 extends through a slot 158in nose 80 to engage a surgical clip 72. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 20,at a proximal end of spindle 60, trip lever 96 extends through window106 in feed bar 82. In this position, trip lever 96 can engage an edgeof slot 106 to drive feed bar 82 distally along with spindle 60 throughelongated tubular member 14. Lockout wedge 292 is longitudinally movablewithin channel 294 in spindle 60. Projection 298 on lockout wedge mateswith window 286 in feedbar 82.

Referring to FIG. 21, there is a view similar to FIG. 19, however, nose80 has been removed to illustrate pusher 108 engaging a surgical clip 72located in channel 70. T-shaped tabs 300 are provided on channel 70 tohold channel cover 78 and nose 80 securely to channel 70.

Referring now to FIG. 22, spindle 60 and associated components are shownwith feed bar 82 removed.

Referring to FIG. 23, there are illustrated multiple clips 72 positionedwithin channel 70 for supply to jaws 16 at a distal end of spindle 60.Clips 72 are arranged in longitudinal alignment within channel 70.Retention fingers 71 are provided at a distal end of channel 70 torestrain a stack of clips 72 within channel 70 until advanced into jaws16 by feedbar 82. A lance 302 on channel 70 is configured to engageabutment surface 288 on feed bar 82.

Referring to FIG. 24, there is illustrated an intermediate section ofspindle 60 assembled with follower 74 and follower spring 76. As noted,spring 76 biases follower 74 distally relative to spindle 60.

With reference to FIG. 25, there is illustrated spindle 60 assembledwith trip lever 96 and biasing spring 98, with trip lever 96 beingbiased into an upward most position by biasing spring 98. Lockout wedge292 is positioned within channel 294.

Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, an opposed side of spindle 60 assembledwith driver 66 about jaws 16 is illustrated. As noted above, driver 66is configured to cam jaws 16 closed about a surgical clip. Thus, jaws 16include angled camming surfaces 160 for receipt of corresponding cammingsurfaces 184 (FIG. 34) of driver 66. A pocket 187 (FIG. 31) in theproximal end of jaws 16 limits the retraction of driver 66.Specifically, protrusion 186 of slider joint 68 engages pocket 187 ofjaws 16. (See FIGS. 31 & 34).

Referring to FIGS. 28-30, the relative assembled positions of channel70, trip lock 84, wedge plate 100 and filler component 102 will now bedescribed. Referring initially to FIGS. 29 and 30, filler component 102is positioned on channel 70. Proximal end of filler component 102 abutsa stop 162 positioned on channel 70. The wedge plate 100 lies overfiller component 102 in the manner shown. As best shown in FIG. 30,filler component 102 includes a cam slot 148 having a disengaging edge150 formed within cam slot 148. Similarly, wedge plate 100 includes acam slot 136. As noted above, a cam link 104 is provided attached tospindle 60 (not shown) in order to drive wedge plate 100 distally. Tofacilitate driving wedge plate 100, cam link 104 is provided with a camlink boss 164 which rides in cam slots 136 and 148 of wedge plate 100and filler component 102 respectively. As cam link 104 is advanceddistally relative to wedge plate 100 cam link boss 164 engages a drivingedge 166 of wedge plate 100 to drive wedge plate 100 distally. In themanner described hereinafter, once cam link 104, and in particular camlink boss 164, engages disengaging edge 150 of filler component 102 camlink boss 164 is cammed out of engagement of driving edge 166.

Referring to FIG. 30, filler component 102 is provided with a flexibleleg 152 which is movable between distal and proximal windows 138, 140,respectively, of wedge plate 100. In order to cam flexible leg 152 outof one of the proximal or distal windows, there is provided a camsurface 168 on flexible leg 152 which cams flexible leg 152 out of thewindows in response to relative movement of wedge plate 100 relative tofiller component 102.

As noted hereinabove, jaws 16 are provided to receive and crimp surgicalclips 72 positioned therein. Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, jaws 16generally include a pair of flexible legs 170 fixed to a base 172. Jawmembers 16 a and 16 b are located at a distal end of flexible legs 170.A pair of locking arms 174 extends distally from base 172 and terminatesin tabs 176. Tabs 176 are configured to engage corresponding holes 177on elongated tube 14 (FIG. 10) to secure jaws 16 to elongated tube 14.Jaws 16 include channel 22 for receipt of surgical clips 72. As shown,filler component 102 is positioned directly behind jaws 16 and, as withjaws 16, does not move longitudinally relative to outer tubular member14.

Referring for the moment to FIG. 32, jaws 16 are configured to receivewedge plate 100 such that the distal tip 134 of wedge plate 100 is usedto initially separate jaws section 16 a and 16 b and maintain them in aseparated and aligned configuration during insertion of a surgical clipinto jaws 16. As noted, this prevents any torquing or flexing of jaw 16a relative to jaw 16 b while a surgical clip 72 is being loaded therein.Each of flexible legs 170 includes a cam edge 178 (see FIGS. 44 & 63) toguide distal tip 134 of wedge plate 100 within jaws 16.

Referring to FIG. 33, wedge plate 100 is illustrated positioned onspindle 60 such that latch retractor 128 extends through a slot 182 inwedge plate 100. As best shown in FIG. 34, with wedge plate 100 removed,it can be seen that a distal end of driver 66 is provided with cammingsurfaces 184. Camming surfaces 184 cooperate with cam surfaces 160 onjaws 16, (see FIG. 27), to cam jaws 16 together in response tolongitudinal movement of driver 66 relative to jaws 16. Protrusion 186on slider joint 68 extends through a slot 188 in wedge plate 100 tolimit retraction of slider joint 68 relative to jaws 16.

The operation of surgical clip applier 10 to crimp a surgical cliparound a target tissue, such as, for example, a vessel, will now bedescribed. With reference to FIGS. 35 and 36, trigger 18 is in agenerally uncompressed state with rack 202 and thus spindle 60 biased toa proximal most position by return spring 208. Additionally, actuator242 is in a proximal most position holding counter lever 244 away fromcounter 246. Pawl 212 is positioned in distal recess 228 on rack 202. Asbest shown in FIGS. 37-42, and with initial reference to FIG. 38, in anunfired state, trip lever 96 carried by spindle 60, biased upwardly bybiasing spring 98, is positioned adjacent to, and in contact with, aslot in feed bar 82. Trip block 84 is in a distal position relative totrip lever 96. Lockout wedge, affixed to feed bar 82, is in a proximalposition.

Referring to FIG. 39, follower 74 is biased distally by a spring 76 suchthat clips 72 are biased in a distal direction.

Referring to FIG. 40, spindle 60 and feed bar 82 are stationery withlatch retractor 128 biased to an upward position.

Referring to FIG. 41, flexible leg 152 of filler component 102 is in thedistal window 138 of wedge plate 100. Raised feature 118 on spindle 60is proximal of flexible leg 152.

As best shown in FIG. 42, at the distal end of surgical clip applier 10,when at rest in an unfired state, wedge plate 100 and feed bar 82 are ina proximal-most position relative to jaws 16. Pusher 108 is distal oflance 302 (FIG. 42A).

FIGS. 43-47 illustrate the initial at rest position of the wedge plate100, jaws 16 and filler component 102.

Referring initially to FIGS. 43 and 44, as shown, wedge plate 100 is ina proximal-most position relative to jaws 16. As shown in FIG. 43,flexible leg 152 is in distal window 138 of wedge plate 100, while camlink 104 is in a proximal-most position relative to cam slot 136 inwedge plate 100.

As best shown in FIGS. 45 and 46, wedge plate 100 is in a proximal mostposition relative to jaws 16 with distal tip 134 proximal of cam edges178 of jaws 16.

Referring to FIG. 47, wedge plate 100 is in a proximal-most positionrelative to filler component 102, such that driving edge 166 of wedgeplate 100 is proximal of disengaging edge 150 of filler component 102.

Referring to FIG. 48, to initiate actuation of clip applier 10, trigger18 is moved through an initial swing wishbone link 204 drives rack 202distally thereby driving spindle 60 distally. Actuator 242 remains in aproximal most position as pin 206 moves through drive slot 252 inactuator 242. With reference for the moment to FIG. 50, if the trigger18 is released at this point, rack teeth 226 would restrain pawl teeth222 against proximal motion, preventing release of trigger 18 andpartial or inadvertent partial actuation of surgical clip applier 10.

During the initial stroke, spindle 60 moves a predetermined distance.With regard to FIG. 51, as spindle 60 is driven an initial distaldistance, trip lever 96 engages elongated window 106 feed bar 82 andmoves feed bar 82 distally a similar distance. Lockout wedge 292 iscarried distally by feed bar 82. As shown in FIGS. 42 & 51, as feed bar82 is driven distally and a clip 72 is driven into jaws 16, follower 74moves distally (FIG. 52) due to the bias of spring 76 to urge the stackof surgical clips 72 distally.

With reference to FIG. 49, as rack 202 moves distally pawl 212 rotatesclockwise such that pawl teeth 222 move out of distal recess 228 andbegin to ride over rack teeth 226.

Referring to FIGS. 53 and 54, as spindle 60 and feed bar 82 movesdistally, spindle 60 drives cam link 104 distally an initial distancesuch that cam link boss 164 on cam link 104 engages wedge plate 100. Asshown, flexible leg 152 of filler component 102 is positioned indistal-most window 138 of wedge plate 100.

As shown in FIG. 55, as cam link 104 moves distally with spindle 60, camlink boss 164 engages driving edge 166 on wedge plate 100 to urge wedgeplate 100 distally relative to filler component 102.

Referring to FIG. 56, as feed bar 82 moves distally, pusher 108 at thedistal end of feed bar 82 engages a clip 72 and begins to urge clip 72into jaws 16. Notably, at this point, spindle 60 has not yet contacteddriver 66, thereby preventing compression of jaws 16 prior to fullinsertion of surgical clip 72.

Turning again to FIG. 55, as surgical clip applier 10 is actuatedthrough a further second predetermined distance, cam boss 164 on camlink 104 continues to drive wedge plate 100 distally and flexible leg152 is cammed out of distal window 138 and into proximal window 140 bycam surface 168 to engage wedge plate 100 with filler component 102. Asshown in FIGS. 57 & 58, at this point, feed bar 82, wedge plate 100,spindle 60, clips 72 and follower 74 (FIG. 52) are all moving in adistal-most direction.

Referring to FIG. 59, feed bar 82 continues to urge pusher 108 at thedistal end of feed bar 82 against a surgical clip 72 to urge clip 72into channel 22 in jaws 16. Surgical clips 72 contained in channel 70are biased in a distal direction by follower 74 (FIG. 52) and wedgeplate 100 (FIG. 54) continues to move distally while driver 66 remainsstationery relative to elongated tubular member 14.

Referring to FIG. 60, as spindle 60 is moved further, cam boss 164 ofcam link 104 is cammed out of engagement with driving edge 166 of wedgeplate 100 by means of disengaging edge 150 formed in filler component102 as best shown by the arrows in FIG. 60. During this further strokeof a predetermined distance, flexible leg 152 of filler component 102snaps into proximal window 140 of wedge plate 100, thereby preventingretraction of wedge plate 100 from its distal-most position.

As shown in FIG. 61, flexible leg 152 is positioned within proximalwindow 140 of wedge plate 100, thereby restraining wedge plate 100against retraction, while feed bar 82 and spindle 60 continue to move ina distal direction as shown by the arrows.

As shown in FIGS. 62-63, distal tip 134 of wedge plate 100 urges jawmembers 16 a and 16 b apart by engaging cam surfaces 178 in jaw members16 a and 16 b. As noted above, by positioning wedge plate 100 in camsurfaces 178 of jaw members 16 a and 16 b, wedge plate 100 not onlyspreads the jaws 16 apart to properly receive surgical slip 72, butadditionally restrains each individual jaw member 16 a and 16 b fromflexing with respect to each other, thereby preventing any torque ofclip 72 as it is being inserted into jaws 16.

Referring to FIG. 64, as noted above, flexible leg 152 restrains wedgeplate 100 from proximal retraction while cam link 104 continues toadvance through slots 148 and 136 in filler component 102 and wedgeplate 100 (FIG. 64).

As best shown in FIG. 65, as spindle 60 continues to move distallythrough the stroke, trip lever 96 is urged distally with spindle 60until trip lever 96 engages camming surface 110 (See FIG. 10D) of tripblock 84. As camming surface 110 (FIG. 10D) of trip block 84 is urgedagainst trip lever 96, trip lever 96 will be cammed out of engagementwith elongated window 106 of feed bar 82 allowing feed bar 82 to returnto a proximal position due to the bias of feed bar spring 88 (see FIG.10).

Referring for the moment to FIG. 66, as spindle 60 continues to movethrough its stroke, raised feature 118 on spindle 60 begins to camflexible leg 152 out of proximal window 140 of wedge plate 100, so thatthe wedge plate 100 will be able to retract prior to, and so that,surgical clip 72 is crimped between jaws 16. This is best illustrated inFIG. 67 where feed bar 82 has fully inserted clip 72 within jaws 16 andwedge plate 100 has retracted to a proximal-most position.

FIG. 68 illustrates trip lever 96 being cammed out of engagement withfeed bar 82 by camming surface 110 of trip block 84 and against the biasof biasing spring 98 such that feed bar 82 is disengaged from trip lever96 and feed bar 82 can start to retract proximally. As shown, in FIG.69, pusher 108 of feed bar 82 is retracted to a proximal position behindthe next distal-most clip 72 as wedge plate 100 retracts leaving clip 72inserted into jaws 16.

Referring to FIG. 69A, as trigger 18 is continued to be compressed, pin206 advances distally within drive slot 252 on actuator 242 until pin206 engages a distal end 304 of drive slot 252. Thereafter, as trigger18 is further compressed, pin 206 moves actuator 242 distally. Pin 264on toggle arm 244 is rotated clockwise within connecting slot 254thereby driving contact arm 268 on toggle arm 244 towards actuationfeature 248.

Referring to FIG. 70, trip lever 96 is completely cammed down by camsurface 110 on trip block 84 and spindle 60 continues to move distallythrough a further predetermined stroke.

Referring for the moment to FIG. 71, as wedge plate 100 retractsproximally while spindle 60 continues to move distally, flexible leg 152on filler component 102 snaps into distal window 138 of wedge plate 100.As shown in FIG. 72, wedge plate 100 is retracted to a proximal positionrelative to jaws 16.

Referring to FIG. 73, when latch retractor 128 is cammed downwardlyrelative to spindle 60, spindle 60 has moved distally to a predetermineddistance. The action of spindle 60, now engaging driver 66, pushesdriver 66 distally. Driver 66 draws slider joint 68 and simultaneouslyslider joint 68 drags latch retractor 128 distally mechanically forcingcam surface no. of latch retractor 128 downward to underside of jaw pad172 and engaging latch retractor 128 with slot 126 of spindle 60.

Referring to FIGS. 74-75, as trigger 18 is fully compressed to drivespindle 60 to a distal-most position, upon complete compression oftrigger 18 and fully forming of clip 72, and with reference to FIG. 74,counter lever is fully rotated clockwise driving bumper 268 againstcounter button 248 to thereby increment the number displayed by counter246.

As noted hereinabove, the incrementation of the number illustrated incounter 246 can be either down from a full complement of surgical clips72 contained within an original surgical stapler 10 or can be counted upto indicate the number of clips dispensed by surgical instrument 10.

Referring for the moment to FIG. 75, on full firing of surgicalinstrument 10, pawl teeth 222 disengage from rack teeth 226 and residewithin proximal recess 230. Notably, a full stroke of the spindle 60 isrequired to take a clip 72 from an initial position to a fully insertedposition in the jaws 16. As spindle 60 moves through its distal-mostposition, it moves driver 66 in the manner described hereinabove tocrimp a surgical clip 72. For example, referring to FIGS. 76-79, driver66 advances distally relative to camming surfaces 160 on jaws 16 a and16 b, such that camming surfaces 184 on driver 66 cam jaws 16 a and 16 bclosed thereby closing surgical clip 72 contained therebetween.

Referring for the moment to FIG. 80, a security mechanism is provided toprevent an overstroke condition and thereby excessive compression ofclip 72 from damaging tissue, jaws 16 or driver 66. If trigger 18 iscontinued to be squeezed past a stroke required for a full forming ofclip 72 impact spring 56 compresses within the space defined betweenknob 20 and bushing 48 thereby preventing any further distal movement ofspindle 60.

A fully formed clip formed about vessel V is illustrated in FIG. 81.

Referring to FIG. 82, as trigger 18 is released (not shown), pawl 212now rotates counter-clockwise against the bias of pawl spring 216 suchthat pawl teeth 222 ride along rack teeth 226 to reset the handleassembly. As shown in FIG. 83, when driver 66 retracts, latch retractor128 is again biased up into its upper-most position, thereby, resettingthe drive mechanism.

Referring to FIGS. 84-86, as spindle 60 retracts, raised feature 118 ofspindle 60 moves past flexible leg 152 in filler component 102. Itshould be noted that wedge plate 100 does not move as it has alreadyfully retracted. As spindle 60 retracts, it draws cam link 104proximally within slots 136 and 148 of wedge plate 100 and fillercomponent 102 to its initial position. As best seen in FIG. 86, in thisposition, clip applier 10 is again in an initial position to be refiredand thus to attach another clip to a vessel.

Referring now to FIGS. 87 to 89 with initial reference to FIG. 87, onceall surgical clips 72 have been discharged from surgical clip applier10, follower 74 is in a distal-most position such that abutment surface288 engages lance 302 on channel 70 thereby locking out or preventingproximal retraction of follower 74. As shown, pusher 108 on feed bar 82upon retraction engages follower 74 and wedges between nose 80 andfollower 74 such that feedbar 82 cannot retract proximally.

As shown in FIG. 88, since feed bar 82 is restrained in a distal-mostposition, lockout wedge 292, affixed to feed bar 82, is also restrainedin a distal-most position. Thus, as spindle 60 attempts to retractproximally, angled surface 296 on lockout wedge 292 engages angledsurface 290 on spindle 60 thereby preventing further retraction ofspindle 60.

Referring to FIG. 89, because spindle 60 cannot retract completelyproximally rack 202 cannot retract completely proximally. Rack teeth 226engage pawl teeth 222 and prevent pawl 212 from rotating back intodistal recess 228 thereby preventing resetting of the clip applier 10.In this manner, clip applier 10 is completely locked out from anyfurther attempted firings after the last surgical clip 72 has beendispensed. Because pawl teeth 222 and rack teeth 226 prevent any distalmovement of the drive mechanism, specifically trigger 18 is preventedfrom being squeezed further.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of applying surgical fasteners to tissueduring a surgical procedure, the method comprising: moving, in a distaldirection, a spindle of a surgical fastener applying apparatus, therebyurging a driver and an attached slider of the surgical fastener applyingapparatus in the distal direction; moving, in a proximal direction, awedge member of the surgical fastener applying apparatus out from inbetween first and second jaw portions of the surgical fastener applyingapparatus; and engaging the wedge member with a latch retractor of theslider, thereby camming the latch retractor into engagement with thespindle; and urging the driver by engaging the driver with the first andsecond jaw portions to approximate the first and second jaw portions andform a surgical fastener about the tissue.
 2. The method according toclaim 1, further comprising fixedly coupling the slider and, in turn,the driver with the spindle in response to camming the latch retractorinto engagement with the spindle.
 3. The method according to claim 1,further comprising moving a projection of the slider through a slotformed in the wedge member into engagement with an end wall of the wedgemember to prevent further proximal movement of the slider relative tothe first and second jaw portions.
 4. The method according to claim 1,further comprising: advancing the wedge member between the first andsecond jaw portions, thereby urging the first and second jaw portionsapart; and engaging a pusher of the surgical fastener applying apparatuswith a surgical fastener to urge the surgical fastener in between thefirst and second jaw portions after the wedge member is advanced betweenthe first and second jaw portions.
 5. A method of applying surgicalfasteners to tissue during a surgical procedure, the method comprising:positioning first and second jaw portions of a surgical fastenerapplying apparatus in proximity to tissue; moving, in a distaldirection, an actuation mechanism of the surgical fastener applyingapparatus; engaging a driver of the surgical fastener applying apparatuswith the actuation mechanism, thereby distally moving the driver and aslider that is secured to a proximal portion of the driver; moving awedge member of the surgical fastener applying apparatus out from inbetween the first and second jaw portions; camming a latch retractor ofthe slider with the wedge member as the wedge member is moved out fromin between the first and second jaw portions, thereby engaging the latchretractor of the slider with the actuation mechanism to fixedly couplethe slider to the actuation mechanism; and urging the driver intoengagement with the first and second jaw portions to approximate thefirst and second jaw portions and form a surgical fastener about thetissue.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein moving the wedge memberincludes moving the wedge member from a distal position, in which adistal portion of the wedge member maintains the first and second jawportions in a spaced apart position, to a proximal position, in whichthe distal portion of the wedge member is disposed proximally of thefirst and second jaw portions to allow the first and second jaw portionsto close.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the actuation mechanism ismoved in the distal direction a predetermined longitudinal distancetoward the driver before the actuation mechanism engages the driver. 8.The method of claim 7, wherein the wedge member is moved out from inbetween the first and second jaw portions while the actuation mechanismis being moved in the distal direction the predetermined longitudinaldistance.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the camming of the latchretractor occurs after the actuation mechanism is moved in the distaldirection the predetermined longitudinal distance.
 10. The method ofclaim 5, further comprising moving the actuation mechanism in a proximaldirection, thereby effecting proximal movement of the slider and, inturn, the driver relative to the first and second jaw portions.
 11. Themethod of claim 5, further comprising moving the actuation mechanism ina proximal direction relative to the wedge member allowing the latchretractor to bias out of engagement with the actuation mechanism suchthat further proximal movement of the actuation mechanism does noteffect proximal movement of the slider and the driver.
 12. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the latch retractor extends upwardly into a slotdefined in the wedge member as the latch retractor biases out ofengagement with the actuation mechanism.
 13. The method of claim 5,further comprising abutting a projection extending outwardly from theslider with an end wall defined by a slot in the wedge member to limitproximal movement of the slider in relation to the first and second jawportions.
 14. The method of claim 5, further comprising moving aprojection of the slider through a slot formed in the wedge member intoengagement with an end wall defined by the slot, thereby limitingretraction of the slider in relation to the jaw assembly.
 15. The methodaccording to claim 5, further comprising advancing the wedge memberbetween the first and second jaw portions, thereby urging the first andsecond jaw portions apart.
 16. The method according to claim 5, furthercomprising engaging a pusher of the surgical fastener applying apparatuswith the surgical fastener to urge the surgical fastener in between thefirst and second jaw portions while maintaining the wedge member inbetween the first and second jaw portions.
 17. A method of applyingsurgical fasteners to tissue during a surgical procedure, the methodcomprising: distally moving an actuation mechanism of a surgicalfastener applying apparatus, thereby distally moving a driver and aslider of the surgical fastener applying apparatus; moving a wedgemember of the surgical fastener applying apparatus out from in betweenfirst and second jaw portions of the surgical fastener applyingapparatus; camming a latch retractor of the slider with the wedge memberas the wedge member is moved out from in between the first and secondjaw portions, thereby engaging the latch retractor of the slider withthe actuation mechanism to fixedly couple the slider to the actuationmechanism; and urging the driver into engagement with the first andsecond jaw portions to approximate the first and second jaw portions andform a surgical fastener about tissue.
 18. The method according to claim17, wherein moving the wedge member includes moving the wedge memberfrom a distal position, in which a distal portion of the wedge memberengages the first and second jaw portions to space the first and secondjaw portions apart from one another, to a proximal position, in whichthe distal portion of the wedge member is disposed proximally of thefirst and second jaw portions to allow the first and second jaw portionsto close.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the wedge member is movedproximally as the driver is moved distally.